So, Ireland beat the All Blacks. Ireland beat the All Blacks. Yes, say it as many times as you like, for as long as you like, because you can. In a heroic, incredible, gutsy and tactically astute performance in Chicago, Ireland survived a second half comeback from New Zealand to come out winners on a scoreline of 40-29.
And this selection of a few titles gives some idea of the pleasant surprise with which Ireland's win was greeted by sports media around the world.
The Sunday Times
Ireland's favourite rugby expert, Stephen Jones, writes of their victory,
Never mind the greatest performance in Ireland’s history. Their stunning 40-29 win over New Zealand at Soldier Field in Chicago last night may have been the best in anyone’s history.
And he guarded against what could be coming down the line when Ireland host New Zealand in Dublin on November 19th.
This win will have repercussions. The teams meet again in Dublin in two weeks, when the All Blacks will draft in a few missing men and when their intensity will be awesome. There is probably not a stadium that would be able to accommodate all those who would want to be there.
The Chicago Tribune
It's probably not too often that the 'Chicago Tribune' reports on rugby, but understandably it made an exception for this particular occasion, writing that "Ireland fans who overwhelmingly outnumbered New Zealanders among the 64,000-strong crowd began a delirious celebration".
When Barrett, brother of flyhalf Beauden, scored in the 64th, a stunning turnaround seemed possible, even likely.
But Ireland resisted and, continuing to play with enterprise, fashioned Henshaw's try and immortality.
L'Equipe
'In Chicago, the All Blacks fall to Ireland' says the headline from L'Equipe, which goes on to document how "Robbie Henshaw freed a nation".
Enormous surprise on the synthetic pitch at Soldier Field in Chicago, along Lake Michigan! At the home ground of American football franchise Chicago Bears, and at the end of a match of extremely high intensity, Ireland came out on top, scoring not less than five tries against an All Blacks side that was called being called untouchable after its eighteen consecutive victories...
The Sydney Morning Herald
We're sure the Aussies took absolutely no pleasure in New Zealand's underperformance on Saturday afternoon. The SMH has a couple of takes on the game.
Paul Cully reflects on the match alongside Australia's 32-8 hammering of Wales, picking out Conor Murray in particular for praise:
Murray again exposed the All Blacks' weakness around the rucks with a sharp dart and try after selling Aaron Smith a dummy, and his superb kicking game constantly put the All Blacks under pressure.
Marc Hinton writes:
Well, baseball, rugby will take your 108 years and raise you to 111. That's how long the men from the Emerald Isle have been waiting to secure their first ever victory over the All Blacks. Munster, stand aside. This epic 40-29 win in Chicago will now become the stuff of folklore in Ireland's rich literary history.
SEE ALSO: Defeating The All Blacks Started With Defeating The Haka
SEE ALSO: Seven Reasons That Explain How Ireland Were Able To Beat The All Blacks
